Protecting means for gas meters



- BEST AVNLABLE C Nov. '2, 1926. 1,605,447

H. KLIPPEL PROTECTING MEANS FOR GAS METERS Filed March 1'7 1925 Jwuantoc I Patented Nov. 2, 1926.

BESTAVAlEABLE COPY I HENRY KLIPPEL, OF.-BROOKLYN,: NEW YORK.

rnorncrine mnansfrorac ns ,lifETERSl I I invention relates to arijimproved gas meter of the type employed in individual homes andthe like, for measuring and registering the amount of gas consumed, but it has more particular reference to a means which is incorporated in the meter for preventing unauthorized persons from tampering therewith, and to render the meter proof against certain fraudulent practices of unscrupulous consumers.

It is well known that it is possible to cut off the flow of gas to or from the meter in a way to render the action of the registering means entirely inaccurate. It has been observed that it is not uncommon for unscrupulous persons to insert a pliable wire into the discharge pipe of the meter and to lift the valve off of its seat, in a way to interfere with the registering means. In this way, recording of the amount of gas consumed is made inaccurate and the unscrupulous consumer is permitted to utilize a considerable amount of gas which is not accounted for, by the registering means in the meter.

It is therefore my primary aim to provide means which can be incorporated with a more or less conventional gas meter and which will serve to prevent the insertion of a wire or the like, for the purpose of tampering with the valve.

More specifically, I propose to accomplish the result specified by simply providing a guard to cooperate with the discharge opening, and a slightly modified discharge pipe to replace the discharge pipe now used, so as not to interfere with the capacity.

The particular construction utilized, for accomplishing this end will become apparent from the following description and drawing.

In the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals 'are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

- The figure is a view in section and elevation of a portion of a conventional form of gas meter, showing the same modified to overcome the objectionable practice outlined. Referring to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the reference character 1 designates generally the tank, in the partition 2 of which an opening 3 is swung. This opening is controlled by an appropriate valve 4, which cooperates with the registering means (not shown), in the usual way. The discharge opening, in the end wall of the tank, is represented by the reference character 5.

These parts are of conventional form, and constitute nopart"ofthe'invention.

The invention resides "in the" provision of a" battle 5 plate; including a downwardly Y inclined portion 6, and a substantially vertical portion 7, these portions extending down over the opening 5 .and being disposed in spaced relation thereto to form a combined guard and baflle plate. The plate is preferably formed integral'with the tank in any desirable fashion. Inasmuch as the presence of this plate would otherwise retard the flow of the discharging gas, it becomes necessary, in order to maintain the desired capacity to utilize an improved discharge pipe 8. The pipe is very similar to the one now commonly used, and may simply replace the latter. This pipe is provided with the usual screw threaded neck 9, to which the house supply pipe is adapted to be connected. It is also preferably provided with an apertured ear 10, which may accommodate a seal of conventional form, if a device of this kind is desired for use, in connection with the closing cap (not shown) adapted to be fittedupon the neck 9 prior to installment of the meter. It will be noted that the lower portion of the pipe is increased in cross sectional area as at 11, so that the presence of the bafiie plate will not interfere with the proper flow of the gas.

It is obvious that with the guard plate in position, no pliable wires or other instruments can be inserted" for the purpose of unseating the valve land hence unscrupulous persons will not be permitted to consume gas that has not been properly registered.

It is obvious from the foregoing that the desired result can be obtained, by an exceedingly simple change which-Will not require alteration of the commonly marketed meters. Hence, the device will not only be desirable for the result thus obtained, but it will be advantageous from the manufacturers viewpoint, inasmuch as it will be found exceedingly inexpensive, yet practical.

It is thought that the foregoing description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings will enable persons skilled in the art to which the invention relates to obtain a clear understanding of the same. Therefore a more lengthy description of the invention is thought unnecessary.

WVhile the preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that minor changes coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to, if desired.

I claim:

As a new article of manufacture, a means for preventing unscrupulous persons from tampering with the valved gas discharge passage of a conventional gas meter of the kind commonly employed in domestic homes, said article comprising a pipe open on one side and embodying a reduced upper portion and an enlarged lower portion, there being a screw threaded neck at the upper open end,

appropriate attaching means, and an internal guard and bafiie plate mounted therein in the enlarged lower portion, for cooperation with the open side and with the discharge .passage of the gas meter, said plate comprising a downwardly and inwardly inclined upper portion and a Vertically disposed lower portion terminating in spaced relation from the 20 bottom of said pipe.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

HENRY KLIPPEL. 

